The Eighth Day (1997)

Great Film overall

Don't listen to the Hype. It's awful

Don't Believe the Hype

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

**May contain spoilers** I finally own "Le huitième jour".First time I saw it was as a rental, while living in the US. This movie is a true Film, it is a fairytale, where reality and fantasy is interwoven in a true use of style, acting, vision and direction.Watched it yesterday, having found that it was now available on DVD, and buying it in the US of all places.Harry and George start out as the odd couple, but as the Film progress they become two sides of humans and humanity, George is prefacing the end through his words and actions through the Film, and only at the end all of them becomes apparent.This story is one which I think all should on occasion try to see, it is movie making at it's best. The dream sequences would not translate into words as strongly as the visual impact, the fact that no words are spoken through some of them, and the 'force' with which our emotions and thoughts react to them.It is not supposed to be 'believable' it is supposed to tell a story, and it does that to the best possible extent imaginable. And indeed on the Eight day "all is good".This is one of my favorite movies all time.

This film is about the unlikely friendship between a businessman and a man with Down Syndrome.The character development in this film is excellent. We get to believe that Harry is a businessman who neglects his family, and Georges is an innocent man who craves loving and care from the "normal" society. Acting is excellent, and the Cannes best actor award is well deserved.The fantasy scenes in the film highlights the fact that Georges misery towards his abandonment by his family, and his desire to be treated like a normal person. The song that gets played repeatedly also reinforces this message. The film shows that people who are mentally handicapped are good natured. We have been treating them with discrimination and neglect, a fact that is highlighted by the scene where Georges gives a present to the waitress in the kitchen). If we get to understand and share these people's world, both we and the mentally handicapped can become very happy.I was so drawn into the film and the characters' emotional experiences. It is a touching film for good natured souls.

This was a great movie. We had to watch it in our AP French class. It makes you appreciate the little things in life and remind you to enjoy life. It also makes you appreciate friendship. Harry and George were what each other needed. Harry needed George to remind him that work isn't all that there is. George needed Harry to take care of him. This movie is a must see.

Though the plot elements to "The Eighth Day" seem like they have been done plenty of times, the film still has much of the spark, mystery, and symbolism that Jaco Van Dormal's first film had. Though not as good as "Toto the Hero", which will always remain on my favorites list, the movie still leaves us with lots of emotions. Daniel Auteil, from 2001's flavorless "The Closet" downplays his part, afraid to overact (rightfully so, the role could have easily been ruined if the actor was overly dramatic). However, I felt the part needed a bit more realism to it, focusing more on the character itself instead of simply the character's growth.Don't walk into this movie expecting the dark humor and unexpected twists that you got from "Toto the Hero" because you will be disappointed. However, the film still serves as a decent, if not flawed, movie